“I wish Governor Reynolds would come work a day”
In late July I visited Mary and Beth at the Brooklyn Food Pantry. Mary founded the pantry over thirty years ago and has worked there ever since. She and Beth explained to me how things have changed over the years.
Mary: “Pre-COVID we were up to 76 families a month. And then COVID hit and everything fell off. And just now, I mean we have not reached that 76 level yet but we're getting close.”
Beth: “I just think people's wages have not kept up with inflation and all that. Some of my friends kind of thought this was a place for people that didn't have a job and I said, no, they have jobs, not all of them, but many just have jobs that don't stretch far enough. They don't make enough to buy food.”
“And I would say when you asked us if people are complaining about the cuts to snap and all that, my opinion is they don't like it. They’re just like, what do we do? What do we do about it? They don't feel like they have any power or say. They just accept it and go on. I mean, I feel that way myself. I'm not in need to have this, but I feel the same way. I'm not happy with how things are being done, but am I doing anything?”
Tristan (interviewer): “What inspires you to do this work?”
Mary: “It's the kids that I have the empathy for, they didn't ask to be brought into the situation. They deserve to have enough to eat. I do it for the kids.”
Tristan (interviewer): “What frustrates you about politics today?”
Beth: “I can't say how long it's been so divided. I'd say the last 10 years have been more divided than they used to be. I just don't feel like they're not thinking of the people they're thinking of themselves. The politicians, they’re not really doing best for constituents.”
Mary: “Exactly, I mean, why do you have to strictly vote this way or this way? Do what's best? Put your heads together. And it used to be that way. I wish governor Reynolds would come to work a day. This wasn't figured out. This healthy kids thing, I guess it's a good idea, but not the workings of it.”